Some parts of Europe, Asia, the Asia-Pacific Region, and Africa are experiencing outbreaks of the
measles. If you are planning to travel outside the U.S., ask your health care provider if anyone in your family needs
a measles (MMR) vaccine.

Young children
and some adults may need an additional dose of vaccine before traveling overseas.

Measles is a very contagious, and sometimes deadly
disease. Even traveling on an airplane with other international travelers could
put you at risk of catching the disease. Vaccination is the best protection against the measles.

Not
sure if you were vaccinated against measles?

Check with your health care provider. If you were
born before 1957 it’s likely that you have been exposed to the virus and are immune. If you were vaccinated before 1971 when vaccines weren’t as
reliable, ask your health care provider. You may need an additional dose of measles vaccine.

Recommendations:

Don’t
wait – start early! Travel vaccinations can take a minimum
of 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Contact your health care provider as soon as you
can.

Children, adolescents and adults should have two
doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, at least 28 days apart, before traveling internationally.

An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-11
months of age who will be traveling internationally. This dose does not
count as part of the routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.
Young children who travel internationally may need a total of 3 MMR
vaccinations.